CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

“God save King Henry, of that name the third.”

A roar of acclamation sounded throughout the old church built by Abbot Serlo so many years before. The surroundings were more austere than regal but Gloucester had not seen such an event in these modern times. A crowning of a King, albeit a nine year old boy was certainly something else. Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester had placed a plain gold circlet upon the head of King John’s young son. The full regalia was lacking following the misadventure in the Wash some weeks before but in its simple way the ceremony was not unimpressive.

Isabella of Angoulême, now the Queen-Mother turned to the stalwart Earl of Pembroke, William the Marshal after the full observances had been adhered to.

“My good Earl will you keep my son sure and safe?” I should not ask that, you are the finest knight in Christendom. Still I fear for Henry, he is but a young boy.”

“Indeed madam” responded the Marshal. “Nonetheless I am already impressed by his sober bearing and his upstanding appearance. He has the making of a good and true King. Let his advisers mould him, make certain he listens carefully to the sound knowledge that will be imparted to him. Why already there is a breath of fresh air in the land. Nobles previously disaffected are rallying to the call of their young monarch.”

“My second son Richard is a much tougher individual in various respects, a lover of the rough and tumble is that one. Perhaps he is the sort of King this Country needs.”

“I know your lad Richard and he will be a fine support for his brother when the time comes. Do not underestimate Henry though he has all the dignity of a King already and I believe that he has the intellect to apply himself assiduously to his royal task.”

“Let us hope so” responded Isabella “Incidentally we should set about gathering in our little brood from Corfe Castle. Richard is amongst them. I thought that the fortress was as safe a place as any to keep them out of harm’s way.”

“It has sufficed for their cousin Eleanor of Brittany and indeed a couple of Scottish princesses in the past” commented the Marshal.

“Ah yes the Pearl, and what will become of her, my good Marshal?”

“She is a lady of great charm and attainments .....”

“I know all this” interrupted the Queen-Mother. “But some would say she has some rights to the throne. Is she not dangerous? Could she not become a rallying point for mutinous subjects?”

“On the contrary your Grace” suggested the Marshal “she has been a loyal supporter of your late husband. Some would say surprisingly so in view of the alleged fate of her brother. Nevertheless she has shown tact and diplomacy, no-one could have expected any more from her.”

“I see you are obviously smitten by the Lady.”

“Queen Isabella!” retorted the Earl of Pembroke “I am a man of 80 years, such a suggestion is ill-founded.”

“Tut, tut man I but jest. In any case you have conveniently added a good eight years to your age.”

“Well perhaps madam. I have, however, lived now during five reigns beginning with King Stephen. The old King spoke to me, you know, very civilly I might add considering that I was just a young lad at the time.”

“These reminiscences are interesting” scowled Isabella “but there are more important issues afoot. I trust my son to your care, Earl of Pembroke, you have grown grey in England’s service let us see you go snowy white yet maintain that strength and vigilance that has befitted you Country many a time in the past.”

“I will indeed madam, although the honour ill-befits me.”

The Queen-Mother smiled steadily at the old warrior nodding her head slowly. The Marshal did not shrink from her fierce dark looks merely bowing politely and with barely a flourish moving from her presence. Isabella might need some watching now. During John’s reign she had been notably uninterested in politics. The changing situation could well have altered her outlook. The Earl of Pembroke remembered that she had been promised to Hugh de Lusignan, the Comté de la Marché before John had secured her in marriage. An interesting combination possibly if that association were renewed. William mused over the possibilities. Joanna, Isabella’s young daughter was now officially betrothed to Hugh although it would be some years
before she attained woman-hood. He would watch developments with interest.

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